CN1881121A

CN1881121A - Wireless architecture and support for process control systems

Info

Publication number: CN1881121A
Application number: CNA2006100867074A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 约翰·R·谢波德; 乔·纳尔逊
Original assignee: Fisher Rosemount Systems Inc
Current assignee: Fisher Rosemount Systems Inc
Priority date: 2005-06-17
Filing date: 2006-06-16
Publication date: 2006-12-20
Anticipated expiration: 2026-06-16
Also published as: CN102883468B; GB201006300D0; GB0611940D0; CN1881121B; HK1143216A1; JP4919711B2; GB2427329A; US7436797B2; CN104656610A; GB2466740B; HK1098838A1; US20050276233A1; JP2006352893A; HK1143639A1; GB2466740A; CN102883468A; HK1143215A1; GB2427329B; DE102006027384A1

Abstract

A wireless communication system for use in a process environment uses mesh and possibly a combination of mesh and point-to-point communications to produce a wireless communication network that can be easily set up, configured, changed and monitored, thereby making a wireless communication network that is less expensive, and more robust and reliable. The wireless communication system allows virtual communication paths to be established and used within the process control system in a manner that is independent of the manner in which the wireless signals are sent between different wireless transmitting and receiving devices within the process plant, to thereby operate in a manner that is independent of the specific messages or virtual communication paths within the process plant. Still further, communication analysis tools are provided to enable a user or operator to view the operation of the wireless communication network to thereby analyze the ongoing operation of the wireless communications within the wireless communication network.

Description

The wireless architecture and the carrier that are used for Process Control System

Technical field

The invention discloses a kind of being used for provides method of wireless communication and device at distributed process control system, sets up between various remote equipments that this method and apparatus can be in Process Control System and the base computing machine and keeps stable radio communication to connect.

Background technology

Process Control System is widely used in workshop and/or the factory that carries out product manufacturing or process control, and for example chemistry is made, power plant controls etc.Process Control System also is applied to obtaining of natural resources, for example, oil and natural gas drill through and process processing etc.In fact, nearly all manufacture process, process resource access etc. can be realized robotization by using one or more Process Control System.Can be sure of that Process Control System finally also will be applied even more extensively in agricultural.

The implementation of Process Control System has been passed through years of development.Process Control System is in the early time utilized hardware special-purpose, that concentrate and hard wire to connect usually and is realized.

Yet modern Process Control System utilizes the height profile formula network of workstation, intelligent controller, smart devices etc. to realize that part or all in these equipment can be carried out the part of whole process control strategy or scheme usually.Particularly, most of modern process control system all comprise smart devices and other PCU, and they communicate to connect and/or communicate to connect one or more process controller each other by one or more digital data bus.Except that smart devices, the modern process control system also can comprise analog field device can, the for example equipment of 4～20 milliamperes (mA), 0～10 volt DC voltage (VDC) equipment etc. form contrast with the digital data bus of sharing etc., and these equipment are directly connected to controller usually.

In typical industrial plant or processing factory, application distribution control system (DCS) is so that control the numerous courses of industrialization that carry out in factory.Factory can set up the centralized pulpit with computer system, this computer system has known external unit in user's I/O (I/O), magnetic disc i/o and other computer realm, and one or more process controller and process i/o subsystem communication are connected to this centralized pulpit.In addition, one or more field apparatus typically is connected to I/O subsystem and process controller, so that control in factory and the measurement activity.When the process i/o subsystem can comprise a plurality of I/O port that is connected to the various field apparatuss that spread all in the factory, these field apparatuss can comprise various types of analytical equipments, silicon pressure sensor, capacitive pressure transducer, resistance temperature detector, thermocouple, strainmeter, limit switch, the ON/OFF lock, flow transmitter, pressure transmitter, capacitance level) switch (capacitance level switches), the weight scale, transducer, valve positioner, valve positioner, actuator, solenoid tube, pilot lamp or any other typically are used in the equipment of processing factory.

Here the term of using " field apparatus " had both comprised mentioned equipment, comprised that also any one carries out the miscellaneous equipment of a certain function in control system.In any case, field apparatus can comprise, for example, input equipment and the order that receives in response to slave controller and/or other field apparatus and carry out the control operation device or the actuator of action, wherein input equipment for example provides the equipment such as sensor of the status signal of the process control parameters indication such as temperature, pressure, the flow velocity.

Traditionally, analog field device can is connected to controller by two line twisted-pair feeder electric current loops, and each equipment all is connected to controller by two independent line twisted-pair feeders.Analog field device can respond or transmit electric signal within particular range.In typical structure, have about 20～25 volts voltage difference usually between two lines of twisted-pair feeder, and the electric current that has 4～20mA flows through electric current loop.The electric current that transmits signals to the analog field device can convection current excess current ring of pulpit is modulated, and makes that this electric current and the process variable that measures are proportional.

The analog field device can of executable operations is controlled by the strength of current by electric current loop under the control of pulpit, and this electric current is modulated by the I/O port of the process i/o system of controlled device sequential control.Traditional two-wire analog machine with active electronic (active electronics) also from then on electric current loop receive electric energy up to 40 kilowatts.Need the analog field device can of higher electric energy typically to utilize four lines to be connected to controller, wherein two line transmission of electric energy in four lines are given equipment.This equipment is known as four line equipment in the prior art, and has power limit unlike typical two-wire equipment.

Discrete field apparatus can transmit or in response to binary signal.Typically, discrete field apparatus is at 24 volts interchange (AC) or direct current (DC) signal, 110 volts or 240 volts of AC signals, or 5 volts of DC signals work down.Certainly, discrete device can be designed to according to the electric property work by the specific requirement that controls environment.The field apparatus of discrete input is the switch for this equipment and controller are switched on or switched off only, and whether the field apparatus of discrete output can be according to existing to come the signal of self-controller to come executable operations.

Historically, most traditional field apparatuss have major function directly related single input or the single output performed with field apparatus.Such as, the unique function that is realized by traditional artifical resistance temperature sensor is to transmit temperature by the electric current that modulated stream is crossed two line twisted-pair feeders, and the unique function that is realized by traditional analog valve door holder is according to the magnitude of current that flows through two line twisted-pair feeders valve to be navigated on certain position that is between fully open position and the full close position.

In recent years, the numerical data that superposes on the electric current loop of simulating signal can be used to transmit as the field apparatus of a hybrid system part.A kind of known technology of this hybrid system in the control field is the agreement of highway addressable remote sensor (HART).The HRAT system utilizes the magnitude of current in the electric current loop to send the process variable that analog control signal or reception measure, the similar traditional system of this point, the digital carrier signal but it also superposes on the electric current loop signal.The HART agreement is utilized Bell 202 frequency shift keyings (FSK) standard, so that superpose low level digital signal on 4～20mA simulating signal.This makes that two-way on-scene communication is occurred, and makes the additional information outside the common procedure variable can send to/be received from the smart fields instrument.The HART agreement with the rate communication of per second 1200 bits, and allows host application program under the situation of not disturbing 4～20mA signal, i.e. master controller, and per second obtains twice or the numeral of more times number is upgraded from field apparatus.Because digital fsk signal is that phase place is continuous, thus it with the signal of 4～20mA between not interference.

Because fsk signal is relatively slow, therefore, can provide the renewal of secondary process variable or other parameter with the speed of about 2～3 renewals of per second.In general, digital carrier signal is used for sending second-level message and characteristic information, and is not used in the major control function that realizes field apparatus.The example that is provided at the information on the digital carrier signal comprises: secondary process variable, the characteristic information that comprises sensor characteristics, apparatus characteristic, line characteristics and process feature, working temperature, sensor temperature, check information, device id number, structured material, structure or design information etc.Therefore, single mixed field apparatus can have a plurality of input and output variablees, and can realize multiple function.

In recent years, ISA (ISA) has been stipulated the control protocol of upgrading.This New Deal is commonly referred to as fieldbus (Fieldbus), more specifically refers to SP50, i.e. the abbreviation of standard and application sub-committee 50.The Fieldbus protocol definition two sub-protocols.H1 Fieldbus network is with the rate transmissioning data up to per second 31.25 kilobits, and to the field apparatus power supply that is connected to this network.H2 Fieldbus network not to the field apparatus power supply that is connected to this network, and has redundant transmission media with the rate transmissioning data up to per second 2.5 megabits.The open standard that the fieldbus right and wrong are proprietary also is widely used in the industry current, and similarly, polytype field bus device is developed and be applied in the processing factory.Because field bus device be except that can using in HRAT and 4～20mA equipment, also can be used for the field apparatus of other type, so fieldbus have with these dissimilar equipment in each device-dependent separate carrier and I/O communication structure.

Newer smart devices is digital in essence, and has and be not easy to and control system early is connected or compatible service mode and enhancement function.Even if all parts of dcs all meet same standard, standard for Fieldbus for example, but the opertaing device of a tame manufacturer also possibly can't be visited secondary function and second-level message that the field apparatus by another manufacturer of family provides.

Therefore, a particularly important aspect of Process Control System design relate to field apparatus and field apparatus, and controller and and Process Control System in or the mode that communicates to connect between other system or equipment in the processing factory.In general, various communication channels, link and path that field apparatus can be moved in Process Control System are collectively referred to as input and output (I/O) communication network usually.

In order to realize communication network topology and the physical connection or the path of I/O communication network, robustness or integrality to field device communicating have substantial influence, especially when the I/O communication network is subjected to the environmental factor relevant with Process Control System or situation and influences.For example, many Industry Control Application often make field apparatus and relevant I/O communication network stand harsh physical environment and abominable electrical environment, for example high and low or changeable environment temperature, vibrations, corrosive gas or liquid etc. of Ke Ke physical environment wherein, and abominable electrical environment for example high-noise environment, bad power quality, instantaneous voltage etc.In any case, environmental factor can be damaged the communication integrity between one or more field apparatus, controller etc.In some cases, these impaired communications can hinder Process Control System to carry out the control program of self in effective or correct mode, this can cause efficient and/or benefit reduction, excessive wear or the damage equipment of Process Control System, and may damage or destruction equipment, building structure, environment and/or personnel's unsafe condition.

For making Effect of Environmental reduce to minimum and guaranteeing stable communication path, the I/O communication network that is used for Process Control System once was a hard-wired network, and wiring is wrapped in the environmental protection material such as insulation, shielding and pipeline.And, field apparatus in these Process Control Systems once typically utilized hard wire hierarchical topology structure to communicate to connect controller, workstation and other Process Control System parts, and wherein the analog interface hard-wired interface such as non-smart field devices utilization such as 4～20mA, 0～10VDC or the I/O plate is directly connected to controller in the hierarchical topology structure.Smart devices such as Fieldbus equipment also connects by the hard wire digital data bus, and they are connected to controller through the smart devices interface.

Though hard wire I/O communication network can provide the I/O communication network of robust at first, its robustness can be because the pressure of environment, for example corrosive gas or liquid, vibrations, humidity etc., and along with the time serious degradation.For example, related with I/O communication network lines contact resistance may be owing to significantly increases such as burn into oxidations.In addition, line insulation and/or shielding may be degenerated or lose efficacy, thereby generation environment electrical interference or noise can more easily make the situation through the Signal Degrade of I/O communication network lines transmission.In some cases, the insulation of inefficacy can cause situation of short circuit, and this situation can cause the complete failure of related I/O communication line.

In addition, it is very expensive usually that hard wire I/O communication network is installed, especially the I/O communication network be distributed in the situation that the integrated mill that manages significantly in the zone or facility be associated under, such as, take the refinery or the chemical plant in several acres of soils.In many cases, the wiring that is associated with the I/O communication network must cross over long distance and/or pass, sunken cord in or around many structures, for example wall, buildings, equipment etc.So long wiring distance will involve quite a large amount of labours, material and expense usually.Further, so long wiring distance is very easily because of line impedance and connect electrical interference and cause Signal Degrade, and both of these case can both cause that communication is unreliable.

And this hard wire I/O communication network is difficult to reset when needs transformation or renewal usually.Increase new field apparatus and need between new field apparatus and controller, circuit be installed usually.Because the space constraints that runs in long wiring distance and often former process control plant and/or the system can be very difficult and expensive so transform processing factory by this way.A large amount of number of lines in pipeline, equipment and/or the structure of inserting along available routing path can increase the difficulty of transforming existing system or increase field apparatus in existing system significantly.In this case, replace existing field apparatus with the new field apparatus with different field wiring requirements, also have same difficulty, this is because more and/or different circuits must be installed so that adaptive with new equipment.These transformations generally also can cause large-scale plant downtime.

Existing suggestion uses wireless I/O communication network to alleviate and the relevant difficulty of hard wire I/O network.Such as, Thymopetidum Injection people's such as (Tapperson) U.S. Patent Application Serial Number No.09/805,124 disclose and a kind ofly have been provided at radio communication between controller and the field apparatus with the system of the increase of doing hard wire communication and additional usefulness.But, the wireless I/O communication network that in current processing factory, uses, even if be not all to be that wherein major part all utilizes relatively costly hardware device to realize yet, for example wireless enabled router, hub, switch etc., a large amount of relatively electric energy of most of consumption in them.Further, such as the interrupted interference, environment through the row of truck, train or conditions associated etc., make that all cordless communication network is unreliable and therefore go wrong easily.

In addition, the known wireless I/O communication network that comprises hardware and related software uses the point-to-point communication path usually, and these paths are carefully selected during installation and are fixed at the follow-up system duration of work.In these wireless I/O communication networks, set up fixing communication path generally include employ one or several expert carry out expensive on-site land survey, on-site land survey can allow the expert determine the type and/or the position of transceiver and other communication facilities.Further, in case select fixing point-to-point communication path by the on-site land survey result, among these experts once or several equipment, tuned antenna etc. must be set subsequently.Though generally select point-to-point path to guarantee the radio communication that meets the demands,,, can reduce the reliability in the path of initial selection, thereby cause insecure radio communication such as moving or increase equipment, wall or other structure along with the transition in workshop.

Though wireless I/O communication network can, for example reduce the long-term robustness problem relevant with the hard wire communication path, but because wireless I/O communication network is relatively not too flexible, and most being considered to can't be carried out crucial or essential process control function reliably in process control industries.For example, do not have easy mode can indicate radio communication at present and when work improperly, perhaps degenerated to the communication degree not too reliably on the Radio Link, perhaps fully stop when when.Therefore, when realizing crucial or essential process control function, current process control operation is very low to the degree of belief of cordless communication network.

Therefore, because the relevant cost of wireless I/O communication network is installed, for example on-site land survey, expert are provided with etc., and the operator of current Process Control System is to the relatively low degree of belief of radio communication, so the price of wireless I/O communication network makes its client hang back usually, especially for all the more so for the large-scale relatively Process Control System typically being used in commercial Application.

Summary of the invention

The invention discloses a kind of telecommunications architecture that is used in the Process Control System, comprise and utilize combining of netted communication and possible netted communication and point-to-point communication, generate the cordless communication network of a more robust that is easy to set up, be provided with, change and monitor, thereby make more robust, cheaper and more reliable of cordless communication network.This telecommunications architecture is realized in such a way, promptly be independent of particular message or practical communication path in the processing factory, in fact, this cordless communication network is implemented as and allows to set up the practical communication path, and is used in the Process Control System in the mode that is independent of the wireless signal that sends between the different radio transmitting and receiving device in processing factory.

Under the preferable case, adopt one or more environment node to control and optimize the work of cordless communication network.The environment node link is to on-the-spot " environment " equipment, and this scene " environmental unit " provide indication such as temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, rainfall amount and radio frequency (RF) neighbourhood noise, can change the signal of one or more environmental factor other environmental factor of work of network.

Under another preferable case, this network comprises the master controller that is linked to unruled card.This unruled card is communicated by letter with via node, and via node is communicated by letter with field node conversely.Field node is linked to a plurality of field apparatuss.Under another preferable case, can delete via node.Under another preferable case, environment node above-mentioned and environment measuring equipment can comprise also can not comprise one or more via node.Under further preferable case, field node and environment node comprise a plurality of ports that are used for field device communicating.

In the preferred case, set up cordless communication network so that transmit the HART signal of communication between the distinct device in processing factory, thereby make the cordless communication network of robust be used in the environment of processing factory or other compatible HART equipment.

In one embodiment, disclose a kind of process control cordless communication network, comprised base node, field node, environment node and main frame.Base node communicates to connect main frame.Each node in base node, field node and the environment node all comprises wireless converting unit and wireless transceiver.The wireless transceiver of base node, field node and environment node is realized the radio communication between base node, field node and the environment node.Field node comprises the field apparatus that at least one provides process control data.The environment node comprises the field apparatus that at least one provides data relevant with the environmental factor that can influence cordless communication network work.

In the preferred case, this network also comprises via node, and this via node comprises wireless converting unit and wireless transceiver.This via node is realized the radio communication between base node, field node and the environment node.

Under another preferable case, the environment node comprises a plurality of field apparatuss, and this each field apparatus provides the data of selecting from the group that comprises temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, rainfall amount and radio frequency neighbourhood noise.

Under another preferable case, at least some in the field apparatus are HART protocol devices.Under another preferable case, at least some in the field apparatus are Fieldbus ^TMProtocol devices.

Under another preferable case, this network comprises a plurality of environment nodes that are arranged in around the process area tactfully, so that the diverse location in this process area transmits environmental data.

Under a kind of preferable case, base node, field node and environment node form mesh communication network, and many communication paths between any two radio nodes are provided.Under another preferable case, base node, field node and environment node form the point-to-point communication network.Under a preferable case again, this network comprises switchgear, and this switchgear converts base node, field node and environment node to the point-to-point communication network from mesh communication network, and vice versa.

Means of communication is also disclosed, so that the operator can the monitoring wireless communication system diagram, thereby determine to be based upon true wireless communications path in the processing factory easily, determine the quality in any specific path and determine or monitor to be sent to the performance of the signal of receiver, thereby make user or operator can assess the overall work characteristic of cordless communication network from transmitter through cordless communication network.

In the preferred case, means of communication comprises position and the connective actual figure that one or more illustrates the graph topology figure of the connectedness between the node, the tabulation of connective matrix and jumping figure is shown and hardware device is shown.The watch-dog that radio communication between base node, field node and the environment node of network is shown can link to each other with base node or main frame.Under another preferable case, topological screen display also show base node, field node and environment node be arranged on wherein process area or the architectural characteristic of environment.Under another preferable case, main frame is programmed to provide the table shaped screen to show, lists the jumping figure of the communication between the various nodes of network.

Under another preferable case, cordless communication network is set so that transmission field bus communication signal between the distinct device in processing factory, uses thereby make the cordless communication network of robust combine with the equipment of compatible HART or replace in the environment of compatible HART equipment in processing factory or at the equipment of compatible fieldbus.

In the preferred case, a kind of method that is used for control procedure is disclosed, comprise the field data of reception from least one field apparatus, field data is wirelessly sent to base node from field node, field data is transformed into different agreements, the field data of different agreement is transferred to routing node, is identified for receiving the target device of the field data of different agreement at the routing node place, the field data that sends different agreement is to target device.

Under another preferable case, a kind of method of monitoring the wireless process Control Network is disclosed, comprise the environmental data of reception from one or more environment field apparatus of environment node, wirelessly the transmission environment data are to base node, the transmission environment data are to main frame, resolve environmental data at the main frame place, send order so that adjust at least one running parameter of this wireless network from main frame to base node according to environmental data, with this order be transferred to from base node comprise at least one field apparatus at least one field node to carry out described order.

By reading following detailed description and independent claims also with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is clear that other advantage and feature will become.

Description of drawings

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, with reference to the detailed embodiment that illustrates and describe by by way of example hereinafter in the accompanying drawings.In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is the combination block and the synoptic diagram of traditional hard wire dcs;

Fig. 2 is the combination block and the synoptic diagram of the cordless communication network in the part of process environment of the design according to the present invention;

Fig. 3 is the figure that the cordless communication network in the process environment of meshed wireless communication and point to point wireless communication is shown;

Fig. 4 is the block scheme that is used in the netted and point-to-point enabled communication device of switching between netted communication in the communication network of Fig. 3 and the point-to-point communication;

Fig. 5 is by the example of the topological screen display of geometry of wireless network analysis tool establishment, and the radio communication between the distinct device in the wireless communication system that designs according to the present invention is shown;

Fig. 6 presents and the example of the topology screen display created by disclosed wireless network analysis tool with table shape, is illustrated in jumping figure order or jumping figure between each Wireless Telecom Equipment in the disclosed wireless communication system;

Fig. 7 is the example by the topological screen display of disclosed wireless network analysis tool establishment, the interior radio communication of figure of plant configuration is shown, so that specific communications that takes place in operator or other user's monitoring wireless communication network and the potential physical obstacle of bringing by plant configuration;

Fig. 8 is the example of the screen display created by disclosed wireless network analysis tool, make user or operator can be in cordless communication network dedicated tunnel route and sign;

Fig. 9 be by the wireless network analysis tool create the example of screen display, the graphical demonstration of the information relevant with radio communication between the distinct device in the wireless communication system is shown, makes user or operator can analyze the serviceability and the parameter of this cordless communication network; And

Figure 10 utilizes for example EMBER ^The such second communication agreement of agreement wirelessly realizes the block diagram of the Wireless Telecom Equipment of HART communication protocol;

Should be understood that accompanying drawing and not to scale (NTS), and show embodiment by graphical symbol, dotted line, diagrammatic representation and partial view.In some cases, for ease of understanding the disclosed embodiments and method, omitted unnecessary details or caused other details to be difficult to the place of being understood.The present invention is not limited to shown specific embodiment.

Embodiment

Fig. 1 shows a typical hard wire distributed process control system 10, this system comprises one or more process controller 12 that is connected to one or more main workstation or principal computer 14, and wherein main workstation or principal computer 14 can be the personal computer or the workstations of any kind.Process controller 12 is also connected to the memory block of I/O (I/O)

equipment

20,22, and conversely, I/

O equipment

20,22 is connected to one or more field apparatus 25～39.Only with regard to example, controller 12 can be the DeltaV that Fisher-Rosemount System Co., Ltd sells ^TMController, it communicates to connect principal computer 14 by for example Ethernet connection 40 or other communication link.Equally, controller 12 utilizes any required hardware to be connected to field apparatus 25～39 with relevant software communication, for example, and standard 4～20mA equipment and/or the intelligence communication agreement such as Fieldbus agreement or HART agreement.Just as is generally known, self storage or relative process control block (PCB) is carried out or managed to controller 12, and communicate by letter with equipment 25～39, so that in required mode process is controlled.

Field apparatus 25～39 can be the equipment of any kind, for example sensor, valve, forwarder, steady arm etc.I/O card in the

memory block

20,22 can be an I/O equipment of following any kind of required communication such as HART, Fieldbus, Process FieldbusROFIBUS (Profibus) or controller protocol.In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, field apparatus 25～27th, standard 4～20mA equipment of on analog line, communicating by letter with I/O card 22A.Field apparatus 28～31st is connected to the HART equipment with the I/O equipment 20A of HART compatibility.Equally, field apparatus 32～39th, the smart machine such as the Fieldbus field apparatus, they for example utilize Fieldbus communication protocol to communicate by letter with I/

O card

20B or 22B on number bus 42 or 44.Certainly, any other required standard or the agreement except that 4～20mA, HART or Fieldbus agreement also can be followed in the memory block of field apparatus 25～39 and I/

O card

20 and 22, comprising any standard or the agreement developed in future.

Each controller 12 is set to carry out the control strategy that is referred to as functional block usually, wherein each functional block is the part of The whole control program, it for example is subroutine, and by means of communication and other functional block collaborative work that is referred to as link, so as in Process Control System 10 the implementation control loop.Functional block typically realizes a function in input function, control function or the output function, with some physical function in the implementation procedure control system 10, wherein input function for example with forwarder, sensor or the relevant function of other procedure parameter checkout equipment, control function for example with the relevant function of control program that realizes controls such as PID, fuzzy logic, output function is controlled the work of some equipment such as valve.Certainly, the functional block that also has mixed type or other type.The cohort of these functional blocks is referred to as module.Functional block be used for 4～20mA equipment and some type smart devices or with these device-dependent situations under, these functional blocks and module can be stored in the controller 12 and by controller 12 and carry out, perhaps, functional block be used for Fieldbus equipment or with the device-dependent situation of Fieldbus under, these functional blocks and module can be stored in the field apparatus and by field apparatus and carry out.Although control system 10 shown in Figure 1 is described to utilize the functional block control strategy, but control strategy also can utilize Else Rule to carry out or design, such as trapezoid logic diagram, sequential flowchart etc., and utilize special use arbitrarily or non-special program language to carry out or design.

As what from description, find out to Fig. 1, communicating by letter between communication between main workstation1 4 and the controller 12 and controller 12 and the field apparatus 25～39 communicates to connect realization by hard wire, one or more in communicating to connect comprising HART, Fieldbus and 4～20mA hard wire.Yet, as previously mentioned, people expect to substitute or strengthen that the hard wire in the process environment communicates to connect among Fig. 1 with a kind of like this radio communication of mode, promptly a kind of reliable, be easy to set up and be provided with, provide the cordless communication network of ability etc. of analyzing or checking the functional performance of this wireless network to operator or other user.

Fig. 2 shows the cordless communication network 60 that is used to be provided at the communication between the distinct device shown in Figure 1, more particularly, this cordless communication network be used for providing between the controller 12 of Fig. 1 or relevant I/O equipment 22 and the field apparatus 25～39, communicating by letter between controller 12 and the main workstation1 4 or between the field apparatus 25～39 among main workstation1 4 and Fig. 1.However, it should be understood that the communication between the equipment of other type arbitrarily or style is provided providing in processing factory or the processing environment for cordless communication network 60 among Fig. 2.

The communication network 60 of Fig. 2 is shown as the various types of communication node that comprises one or more base node 62, one or more via node 64, one or more environment node 66 and one or more field node 68, wherein environment node 66 is shown in Figure 2 is

node

66a and 66b, and field node 68 is shown in Figure 2 to be

node

68a, 68b and 68c.In general, the node of cordless communication network 60 is with mesh communication network work, and wherein each node receives information, judges whether the destination of this information is this node, if not, then within communication range, other node is transmitted or be sent to this information.As known to, any node in the mesh network can be in scope and other node communication, so as in network transmission information, the particular communication signal before arriving the destination through a plurality of nodes.

As shown in Figure 2, base node 62 comprises or communicates to connect workstation or principal computer 70, and workstation or principal computer 70 can be in the main frame of for example Fig. 1 or the workstation1 4 any one.Although base node 62 is shown as by hard wire Ethernet connection 72 and is connected to workstation 70, also can replace and use other communication link.As detailed description hereinafter, base node 62 comprises wireless conversion or communication unit 74 and wireless transceiver 76, to be implemented in the radio communication on the network 60.Especially, wireless converting unit 74 is obtained signal from workstation or main frame 70, and is these signal encodings the wireless communication signals that sends on network 60 of the part of the transmitter by transceiver 76 subsequently.On the contrary, 74 pairs of signals that partly receive by the receiver of wireless transceiver 76 of wireless converting unit are decoded, whether with the destination of judging this signal is base node 62, if, then further decode this signal with the dismounting wireless encoding, thereby produce by the different nodes 64,66 that are arranged in network 60 or the original signal that transmitter generated at 68 places.

As what will be understood, in a similar way, comprise that each node in other communication node of via node 64, environment node 66 and field node 68 comprises communication unit 74 and wireless transceiver 76, communication unit 74 and wireless transceiver 76 are used to the signal encoding, send and decode and send by based on wireless mesh network 60.Although dissimilar nodes in the communication network 60 64,66,68 are distinguished to some extent in some importance, but these nodes are normally worked to receive wireless signal, whether this signal of decoding is node self or the equipment that is positioned at cordless communication network 60 outsides that is connected to self with the destination of determining this signal, and the destination of this signal be not self and before do not transmit this signal by self transmitting out-of-date forwarding or relaying.So, signal sends to all nodes in the range for wireless communication from source node, and each node in the scope of non-destination node arrives this signal forwarding other all nodes in this range of nodes subsequently, and this process lasts till that always this signal has been sent to all nodes at least one other range of nodes.

Yet via node 64 work is so that forward signal in communication network 60 only, thereby makes signal be forwarded to Section Point 62,66 or 68 from a node through via node 64.Basically, the function of via node 64 is to serve as two links between the different nodes, so that when a node is not within the direct wireless communication scope at another node, guarantee that signal can transmit between these two different nodes.Because via node 64 does not rely on the miscellaneous equipment at this node place usually, so 64 needs of via node are decoded to the received signal, to determine whether this signal is the signal of having been transmitted by via node before, just, sending before and because the forwarding capability of different nodes and the signal that only is recovered in the communication network 60 by this via node at via node.If do not receive signal specific before the via node, then via node 64 is only worked and is sent this signal for the wireless transceiver 76 by via node 64 comes forward signal with relaying.

On the other hand, each field node 68 is typically connected to one or more equipment in processing factory's environment, in general, is connected to one or more field apparatus in the field apparatus 80～85 shown in Figure 2.Field apparatus 80～85 can be the field apparatus of any type, comprising for example four line equipment, two line equipment, HART equipment, Fieldbus equipment, 4～20mA equipment, smart machine or unintelligent device etc.For reaching the purpose of example, the field apparatus 80～85 of Fig. 2 is depicted as the HART field apparatus of following HART communication protocol.Certainly, equipment 80～85 can be the equipment of any type, such as sensor/transmitter device, valve, switch etc.In addition, equipment 80～85 can be the field apparatus that is different from conventional field devices, such as the equipment of controller, I/O equipment, workstation or other type.

In any

case field node

68a, 68b, 68c comprise the signal wire that is connected to corresponding field apparatus 80～85, to receive from field apparatus 80～85 and the information that sends to field apparatus 80～85.Certainly, these signal wires can directly be connected to equipment 80～85, for example, are directly connected to HART equipment, or are connected to the standard HART communication line that is connected to field apparatus 80～85.If needed, field apparatus 80～85 can be connected to miscellaneous equipment, and I/O equipment 20A or the 22A among Fig. 1 for example perhaps is connected to other equipment needed thereby arbitrarily by the hard wire communication line being connected to

outside field node

68a, 68b, the 68c.In addition, as shown in Figure 2, arbitrary

particular scene node

68a, 68b, 68c can be connected to a plurality of field apparatuss, for example field node 68c is shown as and is connected to four different field apparatuss 82～85, and the work of each field apparatus among

field node

68a, 68b, the 68c is to transmit a signal to connected field apparatus 80～85 and from field apparatus 80～85 received signals.

Be the operation of the communication network 60 of assisting management, adopt environment node 66.Like this, environment node 66a and 66b comprise equipment or sensor 90～92, perhaps communicate to connect equipment or sensor 90～92, sensor 90～92 is measured the environmental parameter such as humidity, temperature, atmospheric pressure, rainfall amount, perhaps can influence other environmental parameter of the radio communication of carrying out in telecommunication network 60.As below will describing in detail, because a lot of interruption at least a portion in the radio communication cause by environmental aspect, so these information can be used for analyzing and predict problem in this communication network.Having needs, and environmental sensor 90～92 can be the sensor of any type, and can comprise HART sensor/transmitter for example, 4～20mA sensor or the plate upper sensor of design or structure arbitrarily.Certainly, each environment node 66a, 66b can comprise one or more environmental sensor 90～92, and needs are arranged, and different environment nodes can comprise the environmental sensor of identical or different type or kind.Equally, having needs, and one or more the comprised electromagnetic environment noise measuring equipment 93 among node 66a, the 66b is with measurement environment electromagnetic noise rank, and especially communication network 60 is employed in order to the environment electromagnetic noise rank under the wavelength that transmits signal.Certainly, if the frequency spectrum that communication network 60 adopts outside radio frequency (RF) frequency spectrum, then one or more environment node 66 can comprise the different types of noise measuring equipment.Further, although can be described as, the environment node 66 of Fig. 2 comprises environment measurement equipment or sensor 90～93, but any other node 68 also can comprise these measuring equipments, thereby makes analysis tool when the operation of analysis of communications networks 60, can determine the environmental aspect at each node place.

Utilize communication system 60 shown in Figure 2, the application program of operation can send wireless base card (the base card) 74 that packet has to the standard controller 75 at base node 62 places on workstation 70, and blocks 74 receiving radio data bags from wireless base.This controller 75 can be that such as the DeltaV controller, and its communication is identical with the communication of the standard I that is connected to the DeltaV controller by Ethernet/O card.Although with regard to controller and PC (PC) application program, I/O card in this case comprises wireless base card 74, and it seems similarly to be standard HART I/O card.

In this case, unruled card 74 codings at base node 62 places are used for the wireless transmission data bag, and wireless transceiver 76 transmission signals at base node 62 places.Although Fig. 2 shows the signal that is transmitted and can be directly to the field node that reaches such as 68a, the signal that much is transmitted also can be sent to other field node such as 68b and 68c through via node 64.Under same mode, node 68 places produce and be can be directly to by the signal that field apparatus 68 transmits and reach base node 62 and other field node 66 at the scene, perhaps before being sent to base node 62 through other node such as via node 64 or other field node.Therefore, the communication path on the wireless network 60 may pass through via node, also may not pass through via node 64, under the particular case, and can be through a plurality of nodes before arriving destination node.If being direct communications, sending node and base node 62 can reach, then direct swap data.Packet whether by via node 64 transmission for the final user or even all be transparent for holding firmware.

It should be noted that Fig. 2 is an explanatory view, and

environment node

66a, 66b are not to be defined as with respect to they actual positions in the real process control area with respect to the position of field node 68a～68c.Or rather,

environment node

66a, 66b and other unshowned environment node or single environment node are confirmed as being arranged in around the process control zone according to logic shown in Figure 7 and tactful mode.In other words, environment node 66 should be arranged on the spaced positions, for example, and near the opposite end of large-scale barrier or the various piece of equipment or the road of existence from the interference of motor vehicle.And if feasible, the environment node should be arranged in indoor and outdoors simultaneously.The network of environment node 66 is confirmed as utilizing base node 62 and main frame 70, and base node 62 and main frame 70 are as the instrument of monitoring and revise the work of wireless network 60 by increase or reduction signal intensity, gain and frequency etc.

It should be noted that field node 68 is arranged in or approaches various processes station.Node 68 can be important safety equipment, maybe may be used for monitoring and/or controlling various processes.Further, use more than a via node 64, in fact, Fig. 2 is an example, it is by only needing this situations decision of an environment node 66, can be necessary to use more than one or do not use via node 64, and three or more environment node 68 is necessary.

Turn to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the wireless network 60 that can predict Fig. 2 can switch between netted communication pattern and point-to-point communication pattern to and fro.Fig. 3 shows the network 100 with the base node 101 of communicating by letter with via

node

102a, 102b, 102c.Via node 102a～102c successively with as at a plurality of shown in 104 places or in groups environment node, field node or the combined communication of these two.The point to point wireless communication system that is used for Fig. 3 illustrates with solid line, and optionally reticulate texture is shown in broken lines.

Turn to Fig. 4, except not shown wireless and transceiver, schematically shown the switchgear 105 that can be arranged in the base node 101.Switch 105 is used for network 100 from the mesh wireless network shown in the dotted line of Fig. 3, be converted to the example of solid line shown in Figure 3 the point-to-point wireless network that illustrates.Certainly, point-to-point communication can be provided with according to a lot of modes, and solid line shown in Figure 3 only is an example.Switchgear 105 shown in Figure 4 can comprise electronic switching element 106, and it switches equipment 105 between meshed wireless transceiver 76a and point-to-point wireless transceiver 76b.

As mentioned above, disclosed network 60 comprises and can programme so that the base node 62 and the main frame 70 of multiple graphical interfaces useful for the operator to be provided.The example of these graphical interfaces is shown in Fig. 5～9.Turn to Fig. 5, disclose topological screen Figure 110 of geometry of the wireless network that illustrates between base node BA and a plurality of other node, wherein other node can be one or more via node, field node and the environment node that is numbered according to 03,04,05,06,07,08,09,10 (0A) and 11 (0B) among Fig. 5.Topological Figure 110 of Fig. 5 shows two success communications between the node with black solid line, such as the such example of communicating by letter between, base node BA and the node 7.The success communication of a direction represents that with the light line of band cross an example of this line is the line between node 03 and the node 10 (0A).Unsuccessful communication represents with broken broken line or dotted line, lacks example of communication such as the dotted line between node 05 and the node 11 (0B).Fig. 5 also shows " jumping figure " between the node.For example, referring to node 04 and 07, broken broken line between the node 04 and 07 of Fig. 5 or dotted line represent there is not direct radio communication between node 04 and 07, communicate by letter but exist between node 04 and 05, and have one-way communication between node 05 and 07.Therefore, for the one-way communication between node 04 and 07, its jumping figure is 2, promptly from node 04 to 05 and from node 05 to 07.Alternatively, the two-way communication between the node 04 and 07, its jumping figure also is 2, promptly from node 07 to 03 and from node 03 to 04.Significantly, jumping figure is few more, and communication quality is high more and reliable more.

The jumping figure of network shown in Figure 5 shows in the table mode in Fig. 6.Being denoted as 10 and 11 node among Fig. 5 represents with 0A and 0B in Fig. 6.Since base node BA with from all node direct communications of 03 to 0B, so base node BA be 1 from the jumping figure arbitrary node of 03 to 0B, table as shown in Figure 6 first capable represented.Turn to second row of the table of Fig. 6, because the node 03 of Fig. 5 do not comprise from the dotted line that self sends, so node 03 is 1 with other all internodal jumping figures.But, turn to Fig. 6 table the third line and referring to Fig. 5, can notice that node 04 comprises the dotted line that extends between node 04 and 07, so between node 04 and 07 direct communication can not be arranged.Thus, for node 04 is connected to node 07, the jumping figure of the communication of process node 05 is 2.Further again, owing to having the line of the lighter band cross of color between node 04 among Fig. 5 and the node 09, so between these two nodes direct and two-way communication can not be arranged.As a result, for realizing the two-way communication between the node 04 and 09, must shown in the table of Fig. 6, communicate by node 08.All clauses and subclauses that are included among Fig. 6 represent that jumping figure is 2.

Turn to Fig. 7, be depicted as coating at the figure of real process environment with similar topo graph shown in Figure 5.Particularly, each point is shown in Figure 5 and is listed in the position of the node 1～9 in the table of Fig. 6.Fig. 7 provides the chance of the wireless connections degree in the background that monitors the true operation environment for the operator.The overall situation is provided with the reference point of system to be represented with 111,112, so that determine the actual range between the node.

Turn to Fig. 8, field apparatus 80～85 and 90～93 can look like as the node 62 of standard HART equipment or main frame 70.This makes the application program such as AMS software seamlessly to operate on the wireless network 60.When using AMS software, how wireless field node 66 and 68 need know route messages.This can utilize route Figure 120 shown in Figure 8 to realize.Figure 120 is stored in the nonvolatile memory of basic unit 62, also can exist in the storer of main frame 70.Actual route utilization merges the base card that is equivalent to 8 passage HART cards.This route tool is mapped to remote scene node and passage thereof with 8 tunnel virtual HART paths subsequently.Fig. 8 shows the mapping settings that is used for 8 distinct devices.The radio node of each on-the-spot type can comprise 4 different HART passages, but field apparatus has only a unique ID number.The realistic objective passage is embedded in the packet radio.The ID of each radio-cell is based on 2 bytes.First byte is a network number and relevant with actual wireless electric channel in the wave point.The numeral of first byte is changing in from 1 to 12 the scope.Second byte is the sign of node in network, and changes in from 1 to 15 scope.When node was initialised first, its default address was 010F, and this expression network is 1, and the address is 15.Exception in this address setting is basic unit, and its first byte is BA normally, and second byte is represented the network at this equipment place.

Turn to Fig. 9, show another graphic illustration 130 that is used for demonstration on the main frame 70 of Fig. 1.Wherein show 4 width of cloth figure, a width of cloth figure is close to another width of cloth figure, and draws the time on the x axle.The Figure 131 that goes up has most drawn the total jumping figure at total system, as shown in the figure, and jumping figure average out to 72 or slightly little.The increase meeting of jumping figure is alarmed to the operator.Other figure among Fig. 9 provides the environmental information from environment node 66 shown in Figure 2.Figure 132 provides the readout of atmospheric pressure; Figure 133 provides the readout of humidity; And Figure 134 provides the readout at the whole RF ground unrest of frequency of operation section.Other environment indication not shown in Figure 9 can be temperature and rainfall amount.

Turn to Figure 10, can notice that a lot of equipment in the equipment 80～85 shown in Figure 2 can be the HART field apparatuss, therefore and field node 68 can send the HART signals to via node 64, or directly sends the HART signals to the switching node 140 that may be the resolution element part that maybe may comprise base node 62 in the embodiment shown in fig. 10.The HART signal also may from shown in environment node 66 send out.Switching node 140 comprises software so that the HART conversion of signals is arrived different agreement, such as the EMBER agreement that is used for low power consumption wireless network software and wireless technology.Referring to http://www.ember.com/.Certainly, other agreement also is available, and is clearly to those skilled in the art.Switching node 140 is the HART conversion of signals EMBER packet at 141 places.This packet comprises source indicator 142 and blip 143, these the sign by in the base node 62 or the software in the switching node 140 determine.HART message 144 is sandwiched between source data 142 and the target data 143.This signal sends to routing node 145 subsequently, and this node determines to treat target device 146 that data are sent to according to target information 143.Routing node 145 arrives target device 146 to data transmission by one or more via node 64 and/or field node 68 subsequently.Can be used for the field apparatus signal from a kind of agreement, HART for example, a class that is transformed into the software of another kind of agreement is by Acugen, http://www.acugen.com/jts.htm, the GTS software of sale.

Although the present invention is described with reference to the preferred embodiments, one of skill in the art will recognize that under the prerequisite that does not deviate from spirit and scope of the invention and can make change in form and details.

Claims

1, a kind of process control cordless communication network comprises:

Base node, field node, environment node and main frame,

Described base node communicates to connect described main frame,

Each node in described base node, field node and the environment node comprises wireless converting unit and wireless transceiver,

The wireless transceiver of described base node, field node and environment node is realized the radio communication between described base node, field node and the environment node,

Described field node comprises the field apparatus that at least one provides process control data,

Described environment node comprises the field apparatus that at least one provides data relevant with the environmental factor of the work that can influence cordless communication network.

2, network as claimed in claim 1 further comprises the via node that comprises wireless converting unit and wireless transceiver, and this via node is realized the radio communication between described base node, field node and the environment node.

3, network as claimed in claim 1, wherein said environment node comprises a plurality of field apparatuss, and each field apparatus in described a plurality of field apparatuss provides the data of selecting from the group that comprises temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, rainfall amount and radio frequency neighbourhood noise.

4, network as claimed in claim 1, each field apparatus of wherein said field node are highway addressable remote sensor HART protocol devices.

5, network as claimed in claim 1, each field apparatus of wherein said field node is fieldbus Fieldbus ^TMProtocol devices.

6, network as claimed in claim 1 further comprises a plurality of environment nodes that are arranged in around the process area tactfully, so that the diverse location in this process area transmits environmental data.

7, network as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base node, environment node and field node form mesh communication network.

8, network as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base node, environment node and field node form the point-to-point communication network.

9, network as claimed in claim 1, further comprise switchgear so that described base node, environment node and field node are converted to the point-to-point communication network from mesh communication network, and be mesh communication network from the point-to-point communication network switch described base node, environment node and field node.

10, network as claimed in claim 1, wherein said main frame comprises watch-dog, described main frame is programmed to topological screen display is provided on this watch-dog, and the radio communication between each node in base node, field node and the environment node of described network is shown.

11, network as claimed in claim 10, wherein said topological screen display also illustrates the architectural feature that described base node, field node and environment node are arranged on process area wherein.

12, network as claimed in claim 1, wherein said main frame comprises watch-dog, described main frame is programmed to provide on this watch-dog the table shaped screen to show, lists the jumping figure between each node in field node, environment node and the base node of described network.

13, network as claimed in claim 1, at least one field apparatus in the wherein said field apparatus communicates according to the HART agreement, and the data that transmitted by one in described main frame or the described base node from the HART protocol conversion to different agreements.

14, a kind of process control cordless communication network comprises:

Base node, field node, environment node and main frame,

Described base node communicates to connect described main frame,

The wireless transceiver of described base node, field node and environment node is realized meshed wireless communication and the point to point wireless communication between described base node, field node and the environment node,

Described network further comprises switchgear, so that described base node, environment node and field node are converted to the point-to-point communication network from mesh communication network, and be mesh communication network from the point-to-point communication network switch with described base node, environment node and field node.

15, network as claimed in claim 14, wherein

Described environment node comprises the field apparatus that at least one provides data relevant with the environmental factor of the radio communication that can influence described network.

16, network as claimed in claim 14 further comprises the via node that comprises wireless converting unit and wireless transceiver, and this via node is realized the radio communication between described base node, field node and the environment node.

17, network as claimed in claim 14, wherein said main frame comprises watch-dog, described main frame is programmed to topological screen display is provided on this watch-dog, and the radio communication between base node, field node and the environment node of described network is shown.

18, network as claimed in claim 17, wherein said topological screen display also illustrates the architectural feature that described base node, field node and environment node are arranged on process area wherein.

19, network as claimed in claim 18, wherein said main frame also are programmed to provide on described watch-dog the table shaped screen to show, list the jumping figure between each node in base node, field node and the environment node of described network.

20, a kind of process control cordless communication network comprises:

Base node, field node, environment node and main frame,

Described base node communicates to connect described main frame,

Described environment node comprises the field apparatus that at least one provides data relevant with the environmental factor of the radio communication that can influence described network,

At least one field apparatus in the wherein said field apparatus communicates according to the HART agreement, and in the data that transmitted at least some by switching node from the HART protocol conversion to different agreements,

Be sent to routing node through data converted, arrive described target device to determine to wait to receive through the concurrent warp let-off data converted of the target device of data converted.

21, network as claimed in claim 20, wherein said switching node are the parts of described base node.

22, network as claimed in claim 20, wherein said switching node are the parts of described main frame.

23, a kind of method of utilizing the cordless communication network control procedure, this method comprises:

Reception is from the field data of at least one field apparatus,

Described field data wirelessly is transferred to base node from field node,

Described field data is transformed into different agreements,

The field data of described different agreement is transferred to routing node,

Be identified for receiving the target device of the field data of described different agreement at described routing node place,

The field data that sends described different agreement is to target device.

24, a kind of method that is used to monitor the wireless process Control Network comprises:

Reception is from the environmental data of one or more environment field apparatus of environment node,

Wirelessly transmit described environmental data to base node,

Transmit described environmental data to main frame,

The place resolves described environmental data at described main frame,

Send order from described main frame to described base node, so that adjust at least one running parameter of described wireless network according to described environmental data,

Described order is transferred at least one field node that comprises at least one field apparatus from base node.

25, method as claimed in claim 24, wherein said environmental data are the data of selecting from the group that comprises temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, rainfall amount and radio frequency neighbourhood noise.